There was only one problem, at least from the Lions perspective.
Advertisement
When he has been available, Verrett has looked every bit worth the first-round pick the Chargers used on him in 2014.
The Falcons discussed as a team how they wanted to make their feelings known in a public forum. Had the touchdown not been called, there’s a very good chance Detroit would have gotten another play off.
Matt Bryant’s 48-yard field goal capped off a lightning start to the game and a hectic ending to the first half.
In addition to being without Beasley, the Falcons didn’t have starting right tackle Ryan Schraeder (concussion) or defensive end Courtney Upshaw (ankle/knee) in practice just three days before the game in Detroit. The Falcons gained 428 yards in Detroit, with Devonta Freeman controlling the pace of the game while eclipsing 100 yards on the ground.
Let’s also not forget about the fact that the Lions ran up and spiked the ball against Minnesota, they had no such option against Atlanta as they were facing 4th-and-goal. This week they return home, but they face their toughest challenge yet in the Atlanta Falcons. Some of them on their own were still dealing with that and wrestling with it as it goes.
Follow along as we bring you live updates and analysis from the game from kickoff through the final whistle in the comments section below. Davis and Wilson are near locks to miss the game, but Swanson is on the fence.
Stafford completed a pass to Marvin Jones at the 2-yard line with just over a minute to play, but that gain was called back on a holding penalty by fill-in offensive guard Zac Kerin.
The Titans also issued a statement saying, “As a team, we wanted to be unified in our actions today”.
Atlanta’s pass rush, though, has taken a hit. Even the greatest of Stafford supporters couldn’t expect him to keep up such a pace or translate that into 2017.
“I have a lot of African-American friends, and they can’t stand alone”, Linsey said.
The Lions have a short week after their Monday night victory over the New York Giants. Through Week 3 this season, teams with a minus-three turnover difference are 1-9; the Falcons on Sunday were that one win.
The Lions capitalized yet again, adding a 57-yard field goal to tie the score at 23-23. And, he has the league’s longest active streak with touchdown pass in 21 straight games.
The Lions were sort of playing with house money at this point anyway. Coleman had eight touches that averaged over 9 yards.
Advertisement
The Falcons regained the lead on the first play of the fourth quarter. But I think the bend-but-don’t-break defense of the Falcons will be able to make enough plays to win the game.
